By: Matthew Cordell on August 01, 2008 Top Stories >>Pakistan – Members of Pakistan’s intelligence agency were involved in planning the July 7 bombing of India’s embassy in Afghanistan, according to U.S. intelligence agencies, which recently intercepted communications relating to the bombing. The U.S. agencies also said that there was new information showing an increase in the amount of intelligence that the members of Pakistan’s intelligence agency are providing to militants targeted by the U.S. >>Israel – According to the most recent polls in three major newspapers, Israel’s foreign minister Tzipi Livni has a clear lead (8 to 18 points) over transport minister Shaul Mofaz in the campaign to replace Ehud Olmert as leader of Kadima. Olmert retired on Wednesday. However, two of the three papers show Livni running even with Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu were snap parliamentary elections to be held. >>China – In the lead-up to next week’s Olympics, China has partially lifted the great firewall, allowing greater access at the main press center for the Games after scrutiny by Olympic officials, journalists, and Western officials. President Hu has also suggested that China might be primed for greater economic and politic reforms after the Games, if the actual event is not politicized. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Peter Bergen Matthew Levitt Sierra Leone Police Adopt UN Guidelines on Sexual Abuse Peter Bergen A Big Day for Darfur Paul Cruickshank Some Not-So-Bad Signs in Darfur Matthew Levitt Is Osama bin Laden still relevant? The Rest of the Story China – China Eases Internet Restrictions for Journalists China – China Angered by U.S. Lobbying on Rights China – China’s Hu pledges post-Olympic reforms China – China unveils emergency pollution plans Iraq – Lowest US monthly deaths in Iraq Iraq – Bush warns Iraq gains reversible Iraq – Citing Stability in Iraq, Bush Sees Troop Cuts Turkey – Dormitory Collapse in Turkey Kills 14 Turkey – Turkey’s AKP victory pushes share prices up Afghan – Afghanistan aid agencies hampered by growth in violence Russia – Medvedev Pledges Fight Against Graft in Business Russia – Moscow to seize grain export controls Israel – Olmert probed again on corruption Israel – Israel’s Political Situation Dims Hopes for Peace Deal Zimbabwe – BAE linked to Zimbabwean arms dealer Venezuela – Chavez plans to nationalise bank Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Reshuffling Cabinet Pakistan – Pakistanis Aided Attack in Kabul, U.S. Officials Say Malaysia – Leader’s Wife Resigns Post Tonga – Cannon fire and bells ring out as Tongan king is crowned Guinea – Fear after Bissau death threats India – UN debates India-US nuclear deal Sudan – U.N. to Keep Darfur Force, but U.S. Withholds Its Vote Haiti – Haiti Approves New Premier After Standoff Iran – Oil group ends Iran investments Korea – S Korea bucks trend with strong exports
By: Matthew Cordell on May 23, 2008 Top Stories >>South Africa – South African troops have been deployed to stop the recent backlash against foreigners that has left 42 dead and forced 15,000 to flee. This morning raids at three hostels in Johannesburg ended in the arrest of 28 people and the seizure of drugs, arms, and ammunition. The last time troops were used to ease unrest was in 1994 at the end of apartheid era. Some members of the South African government, including the director general of the intelligence agency and the minister of intelligence, have claimed that the attacks were orchestrated by movements that supported the apartheid government. >>Georgia – Georgia’s ruling United National Movement party has crushed its opponents in the parliamentary election, securing 59.5 percent of the vote according to official results released today, and cemented the power of President Mikheil Saakashvili. The second place United Opposition Bloc, which received 17.7 percent of the vote, has complained of irregularities in both the campaign and the vote. International monitors believe that the elections were an improvement on the past, but far from perfect. >>Italy – Nearly 20 years after it was shut down by referendum in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, Italy’s nuclear power program is to be revived. Italy, the world’s biggest net importer of energy, will begin construction on new nuclear power plants by 2013. Yesterday in UN Dispatch From Whence Cometh the League of Democracies? And Does It Matter? Ban in Burma Rood Has the Goods, Part 2
By: Matthew Cordell on May 02, 2008 Japanese whisky beats Scotch? Top Stories >>China – Envoys from the Dalai Lama will travel to China on Saturday for informal talks. China has blamed the exiled Buddhist leader for fomenting the March 10 unrest in Tibet, which it claims was aimed at distracting attention from the Beijing Olympic Games in August. This is the seventh round of dialog between China and the Dalai Lama’s envoys since 2002. While the envoys are there, they can visit Beijing airport’s newly opened terminal 3 (the largest building in the world), a factory that will soon produce one in four bibles, and the world’s longest sea bridge. If I were them, I’d avoid Mia Farrow though. >>Iraq – Turkish bombers launched three hours of fierce raids on northern Iraq last night. No casualties were reported. The raids were targeting senior PKK members in Iraq’s remote Qandil mountains. >>Germany – A rally by 6,000 left-wing demonstrators to protest a rally by Germany’s extreme right-wing National Democratic Party broke bad yesterday in Hamburg, as protesters set cars on fire and pelted police with bottles. Water cannons were used to quell the violence. May Day typically brings violent street protests to German cities, but these may have been the worst in years. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Don’t Throw the Biofuels out with the Bathwater The Meaning of “Realism” Louise Arbour Tells It Like It Is Mobile Phones for Social Change The Rest of the Story Africa Sudan – Farrow Enters Hong Kong to Protest China-Sudan Ties South Africa – Nine killed at S Africa gold mine Zimbabwe – Zanu-PF split on next move after defeat Zimbabwe – Tsvangirai says he will return to Zimbabwe D.R. Congo – Elephants are slaughtered for chopsticks Nigeria – Oil falls as Nigeria strike ends Somalia – Somali rebels defiant after al Qaeda chief killed Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe opposition says disputes electoral figure Americas Cuba – Cuba urges economic gain, work at May Day rally Barbados – Africans stranded in Caribbean Dominican Republic – Dominican Republic sees surge in drug smuggling Asia Japan – Ochone! Japanese whisky is voted the best in world China – China moves to head off Carrefour protests China – Anti-French Boycott Falters in China China – Chinese factory to supply one in four Bibles Japan – In Hungry World, Japan’s Farmers Are Stuck With High-Priced Rice N. Korea – N. Korea Agrees to Blow Up Tower at Its Nuclear Facility Japan – China’s Hu heads to Japan seeking trust and respect S. Korea – South Korea investigates mass sex abuse at school China – China virus ‘hits 3,000 children’ Europe Belarus – US expels Belarus diplomats Sweden – Swedes start to question refugee policy Germany – Protesters battle German police in May Day violence Middle East Iran – Iran Protests to U.N. About Clinton Comments Iraq – Turkish jets bomb PKK camps in Northern Iraq: Anatolian Israel – Israel urged to end blockade of Gaza as talks begin in London Turkey – Turkey launches intensive air strikes in north Iraq Israel – Israeli police question PM Olmert Israel – African immigration to Israel Yemen – Blast at Yemen mosque kills 6, wounds 35
By: Matthew Cordell on April 25, 2008 Today is World Malaria Day. Play the Deliver the Net game, and a life-saving bed net will be sent to Africa on your behalf. Top Stories >>China – The Chinese state news organization announced today that Chinese officials will meet with representatives of the Dalai Lama. A spokesman for the Lama said they had received no word of the meeting. The announcement comes as a surprise given the fact that China’s government denounces the Dalai Lama as a traitor and as an instigator of unrest, particularly the most recent. The Olympic torch, which has met with widespread protests — generally about the status of Tibet — in its world tour, will be brought into Tibet in May, where the relay will include a summitting of Mt. Everest, and into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in June. >>Iraq – After a year-long boycott, Tawafiq, the largest Sunni bloc in Iraq’s government, has agreed to rejoin the cabinet of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. Representatives cited the recently passed amnesty legislation, which has already led to the release of some Sunni prisoners, and the government’s fighting of Shi’ite insurgents as reasons for the policy shift. “Details” reportedly have not been worked out, a designation that has, historically in Iraqi politics, represented a significant hurdle. >>Nepal – The results are final from Nepal’s historic April 10 parliamentary election. The party respresenting former rebel Maoists has won 220 of 601 seats, twice as many as the second-place Nepali Congress party. The new assembly will craft a new constitution, and the Maoists have stated that they will end Nepal’s 240-year-old monarchy. The election caps the 2006 peace agreement, which ended a bloody 10-year civil war. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Judged by the Company We Keep? – What has been most successful? – An Apollo metaphor for peacekeeping – The Rest of the Story Africa Congo – New fighting stops DR Congo aid Sierra Leone – The DIY cure for malaria Zimbabwe – U.S. Says Opposition Won Zimbabwe Presidential Vote Americas Argentina – Maradona signed as political party’s number 10 Bolivia – British cyclist Tom Austin killed on Bolivian ‘Highway of Death’ Asia Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka rebels ‘abandon shrine’ Nepal – Nepal torch security ‘too harsh’ Pakistan – Car bomb kills three in Pakistan Pakistan – Pakistan Asserts It Is Near a Deal With Militants Turkmenistan – April Is April Again Russia – Kremlin Rules: At Expense of All Others, Putin Picks a Church Korea – South Korean growth slows sharply Ukraine – Ukraine feels strain as inflation soars Japan – US marine charged with Okinawa rape Korea – Seven cloned sniffer dogs named Toppy begin training in South Korea Europe Spain – Moroccan drugs baron recaptured France – Sarkozy attempts to regain initiative Middle East Iran – Iran votes in second round poll Israel – Bush Meets Abbas, but Palestinians Criticize Plans for Trip Israel – Hamas Truce Offer Now Limited to Gaza Strip Israel – Israel rejects Gaza ceasefire
By: Matthew Cordell on Today is World Malaria Day. Play the Deliver the Net game, and a life-saving bed net will be sent to Africa on your behalf. Top Stories >>China – The Chinese state news organization announced today that Chinese officials will meet with representatives of the Dalai Lama. A spokesman for the Lama said they had received no word of the meeting. The announcement comes as a surprise given the fact that China’s government denounces the Dalai Lama as a traitor and as an instigator of unrest, particularly the most recent. The Olympic torch, which has met with widespread protests — generally about the status of Tibet — in its world tour, will be brought into Tibet in May, where the relay will include a summitting of Mt. Everest, and into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, in June. >>Iraq – After a year-long boycott, Tawafiq, the largest Sunni bloc in Iraq’s government, has agreed to rejoin the cabinet of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. Representatives cited the recently passed amnesty legislation, which has already led to the release of some Sunni prisoners, and the government’s fighting of Shi’ite insurgents as reasons for the policy shift. “Details” reportedly have not been worked out, a designation that has, historically in Iraqi politics, represented a significant hurdle. >>Nepal – The results are final from Nepal’s historic April 10 parliamentary election. The party respresenting former rebel Maoists has won 220 of 601 seats, twice as many as the second-place Nepali Congress party. The new assembly will craft a new constitution, and the Maoists have stated that they will end Nepal’s 240-year-old monarchy. The election caps the 2006 peace agreement, which ended a bloody 10-year civil war. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Judged by the Company We Keep? – What has been most successful? – An Apollo metaphor for peacekeeping – The Rest of the Story Africa Congo – New fighting stops DR Congo aid Sierra Leone – The DIY cure for malaria Zimbabwe – U.S. Says Opposition Won Zimbabwe Presidential Vote Americas Argentina – Maradona signed as political party’s number 10 Bolivia – British cyclist Tom Austin killed on Bolivian ‘Highway of Death’ Asia Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka rebels ‘abandon shrine’ Nepal – Nepal torch security ‘too harsh’ Pakistan – Car bomb kills three in Pakistan Pakistan – Pakistan Asserts It Is Near a Deal With Militants Turkmenistan – April Is April Again Russia – Kremlin Rules: At Expense of All Others, Putin Picks a Church Korea – South Korean growth slows sharply Ukraine – Ukraine feels strain as inflation soars Japan – US marine charged with Okinawa rape Korea – Seven cloned sniffer dogs named Toppy begin training in South Korea Europe Spain – Moroccan drugs baron recaptured France – Sarkozy attempts to regain initiative Middle East Iran – Iran votes in second round poll Israel – Bush Meets Abbas, but Palestinians Criticize Plans for Trip Israel – Hamas Truce Offer Now Limited to Gaza Strip Israel – Israel rejects Gaza ceasefire
By: Matthew Cordell on April 18, 2008 Top Stories >>South Africa – Thousands of South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg to protest the rise in food prices, which have increased by around 14 percent. This protest follows similar demonstrations in Haiti and Indonesia. Wheat prices worldwide have risen 140 percent, while rice prices have increased by 75 percent, mainly due to the skyrocketing cost of oil and the dramatic increase in the global middle class. >>Russia – Russia has agreed to cancel $4.5 billion of Libya’s debt, accrued during the cold war when it was importing Soviet weaponry, in exchange for deals on energy cooperation and military assistance. Russia also agreed to help Libya construct a 310-mile rail line. Russia’s state-owned Gazprom will now undertake large-scale production and exploration projects in Libya. >>Burundi – Bujumbura was shelled by the rebel National Liberation Front overnight, causing the government to launch a counter-offensive. The nation is still recovering from a 13-year civil war, sparked by the assassination of the first democratically elected president. All rebel groups have signed a peace agreement except the FNL. The Rest of the Story Africa Nigeria – Hope springs from Nigeria’s offshore oil Zimbabwe – Lawyers seek to block China arms shipment to Zimbabwe Americas Canada – Jerry Zucker, Industrialist and Inventor, Is Dead at 58 Venezuela – Chavez accused of oil fund plan for rebels U.S. – Penitent Pope meets victims of sexual abuse by priests Asia China – Restive Xinjiang: China’s next trouble spot after Tibet? China – China activists ‘must curb zeal’ Pakistan – UN warns Pakistan on refugee plan China – China Dissident Loses Chance to Appeal in Subversion Case India – Heavy Indian security for Olympic flame Russia – Skills shortage hits Russian revival Afghanistan – Nato admits mistakenly supplying arms and food to Taliban Afghanistan – Suicide bomber hits Afghan mosque Russia – Dmitri Medvedev votes were rigged, says computer boffin China – Angry Chinese burn French flag outside Carrefour Russia – Georgia tells NATO it concerned about Russian plans Japan – Japan temple rejects torch relay Malaysia – Tamil Newspaper Shut Koreas – South Korean Leader Plans New Outreach To the North Europe Iceland – Iceland, a Tiny Dynamo, Loses Steam Serbia – Defiant Serbia Will Hold Local Elections Middle East Israel – Palestinian Official Says Talks With Israelis Yield Little Israel – Israeli minister offers to talk to Hamas Yemen – Yemen MP ‘killed by gunmen’ Iran – Iran shows off its military might The Olympic Flame Gives and Takes Heat – Warren Hoge to Leave NYT UN Bureau – Brazil on the Benefits of Biofuels – Will We Be Fooled Again? – As Seen in the New York Times –
By: Matthew Cordell on Top Stories >>South Africa – Thousands of South Africans took to the streets of Johannesburg to protest the rise in food prices, which have increased by around 14 percent. This protest follows similar demonstrations in Haiti and Indonesia. Wheat prices worldwide have risen 140 percent, while rice prices have increased by 75 percent, mainly due to the skyrocketing cost of oil and the dramatic increase in the global middle class. >>Russia – Russia has agreed to cancel $4.5 billion of Libya’s debt, accrued during the cold war when it was importing Soviet weaponry, in exchange for deals on energy cooperation and military assistance. Russia also agreed to help Libya construct a 310-mile rail line. Russia’s state-owned Gazprom will now undertake large-scale production and exploration projects in Libya. >>Burundi – Bujumbura was shelled by the rebel National Liberation Front overnight, causing the government to launch a counter-offensive. The nation is still recovering from a 13-year civil war, sparked by the assassination of the first democratically elected president. All rebel groups have signed a peace agreement except the FNL. The Rest of the Story Africa Nigeria – Hope springs from Nigeria’s offshore oil Zimbabwe – Lawyers seek to block China arms shipment to Zimbabwe Americas Canada – Jerry Zucker, Industrialist and Inventor, Is Dead at 58 Venezuela – Chavez accused of oil fund plan for rebels U.S. – Penitent Pope meets victims of sexual abuse by priests Asia China – Restive Xinjiang: China’s next trouble spot after Tibet? China – China activists ‘must curb zeal’ Pakistan – UN warns Pakistan on refugee plan China – China Dissident Loses Chance to Appeal in Subversion Case India – Heavy Indian security for Olympic flame Russia – Skills shortage hits Russian revival Afghanistan – Nato admits mistakenly supplying arms and food to Taliban Afghanistan – Suicide bomber hits Afghan mosque Russia – Dmitri Medvedev votes were rigged, says computer boffin China – Angry Chinese burn French flag outside Carrefour Russia – Georgia tells NATO it concerned about Russian plans Japan – Japan temple rejects torch relay Malaysia – Tamil Newspaper Shut Koreas – South Korean Leader Plans New Outreach To the North Europe Iceland – Iceland, a Tiny Dynamo, Loses Steam Serbia – Defiant Serbia Will Hold Local Elections Middle East Israel – Palestinian Official Says Talks With Israelis Yield Little Israel – Israeli minister offers to talk to Hamas Yemen – Yemen MP ‘killed by gunmen’ Iran – Iran shows off its military might The Olympic Flame Gives and Takes Heat – Warren Hoge to Leave NYT UN Bureau – Brazil on the Benefits of Biofuels – Will We Be Fooled Again? – As Seen in the New York Times –
By: Matthew Cordell on April 11, 2008 Will they eat cookie or cake? A British court decides. Top Stories >>Uganda – Yesterday, Joseph Kony, the notorious leader of the LRA, balked at signing a final peace deal with the Ugandan government once again, and he fired his top negotiator as well (some sources say he quit). Kony is reportedly skiddish about how Uganda’s courts would dole out the justice that Kony insisted not be carried out by the ICC; these specifics were worked out by his top negotiator. >>North Korea – North Korea and the United States appear to have worked out a deal under which North Korea would acknowledge U.S. concerns and evidence about its nuclear program, as well as disclose its plutonium enrichment program, in lieu of the full report that the nation has delayed producing. In return the U.S. would drop two key economic sanctions. >>Olympics – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will not attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, due to “scheduling issues.” His spokesman said that he is planning a “substantive visit” instead. Gordon Brown and Angela Merkel will also not attend. >>Gaza – Israel has cut off the fuel supply to Gaza a day after Palestinian militants attacked Gaza’s sole fuel distribution center (located in Israel) and killed two civilians. Gaza is already under a blockade that denies the area all but humanitarian essentials. Yesterday in UN Dispatch The Exigencies of Peacekeeping UN report: Women face bias worldwide Russia to Increase Payments to the UN? UN Official: High Food Prices Here to Stay The Rest of the Story Africa Somalia – France Says Hostages Held Off Somalia Are Freed Rwanda – Grenade kills policeman at Rwanda genocide museum Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe opposition ‘to shun run-off’ Zimbabwe – MDC’s Morgan Tsvangirai ‘optimistic’ after meeting with Thebo Mbeki Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe raises doubt on Mugabe attending summit Zimbabwe – Mugabe rival ‘meets SA leader’ Egypt – Alcohol fatwa sparks controversy Madagascar – In pictures: Mapping the wildlife of Madagascar South Africa – Latest – India v South Africa South Africa – Mbeki asked to step up Mugabe pressure Ethiopia – UN fears new Ethiopia-Eritrea war Ghana – Dreams of Oil Wealth, Tinted by Fear Americas Colombia – House derails Colombia trade agreement Haiti – Haitians say their hunger is real Cuba – Wage Limits Removed Chile – Chile central bank intervenes in forex market Peru – Peru raises rates to curb inflation impact Ecuador – Ecuador military crisis to test Correa’s mettle Brazil – Brazil makes corruption arrests Asia India – Court Approves University Quotas India – Cheap Hair Dye Banned in India After Suicides N. Korea – Japan renews N Korea sanctions S. Korea – South Korea’s President Looks to Repair U.S. Ties China – Ex-Party Boss in China Gets 18 Years Thailand – Police hunt for driver of Thai death truck Japan – Japan bans tracksuited Chinese torch guards, as relay moves to Buenos Aires Afghanistan – Afghan Bombing Kills Up to 8 Civilians, Including 3 Children Afghanistan – US is ‘undermining’ Afghan trials Russia – Russian military battles overweight soldiers Europe France – Students Step Up Protests Germany – Germany eases law on stem cells Italy – Italy rivals in final poll push Bosnia – Bosnia faces vote on EU reforms or isolation Bosnia – Police law helps Bosnia’s EU bid Norway – Church and State to Relax Ties Portugal – McCanns call for a Europe-wide alert system on missing children Middle East Israel – 2 Palestinians Held in Poison Plot Iraq – Bush Dispatches Envoys to Arab Capitals as Part of Iraq Plan Iraq – Bush Defies Calls for Faster Withdrawal of Iraq Troops Iraq – President George Bush to reduce tours of duty for US troops Iran – Spy photos reveal ‘secret launch site’ for Iran’s long-range missiles Iran – Cabinet Shakeup in Iran
By: Matthew Cordell on Will they eat cookie or cake? A British court decides. Top Stories >>Uganda – Yesterday, Joseph Kony, the notorious leader of the LRA, balked at signing a final peace deal with the Ugandan government once again, and he fired his top negotiator as well (some sources say he quit). Kony is reportedly skiddish about how Uganda’s courts would dole out the justice that Kony insisted not be carried out by the ICC; these specifics were worked out by his top negotiator. >>North Korea – North Korea and the United States appear to have worked out a deal under which North Korea would acknowledge U.S. concerns and evidence about its nuclear program, as well as disclose its plutonium enrichment program, in lieu of the full report that the nation has delayed producing. In return the U.S. would drop two key economic sanctions. >>Olympics – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will not attend the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, due to “scheduling issues.” His spokesman said that he is planning a “substantive visit” instead. Gordon Brown and Angela Merkel will also not attend. >>Gaza – Israel has cut off the fuel supply to Gaza a day after Palestinian militants attacked Gaza’s sole fuel distribution center (located in Israel) and killed two civilians. Gaza is already under a blockade that denies the area all but humanitarian essentials. Yesterday in UN Dispatch The Exigencies of Peacekeeping UN report: Women face bias worldwide Russia to Increase Payments to the UN? UN Official: High Food Prices Here to Stay The Rest of the Story Africa Somalia – France Says Hostages Held Off Somalia Are Freed Rwanda – Grenade kills policeman at Rwanda genocide museum Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe opposition ‘to shun run-off’ Zimbabwe – MDC’s Morgan Tsvangirai ‘optimistic’ after meeting with Thebo Mbeki Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe raises doubt on Mugabe attending summit Zimbabwe – Mugabe rival ‘meets SA leader’ Egypt – Alcohol fatwa sparks controversy Madagascar – In pictures: Mapping the wildlife of Madagascar South Africa – Latest – India v South Africa South Africa – Mbeki asked to step up Mugabe pressure Ethiopia – UN fears new Ethiopia-Eritrea war Ghana – Dreams of Oil Wealth, Tinted by Fear Americas Colombia – House derails Colombia trade agreement Haiti – Haitians say their hunger is real Cuba – Wage Limits Removed Chile – Chile central bank intervenes in forex market Peru – Peru raises rates to curb inflation impact Ecuador – Ecuador military crisis to test Correa’s mettle Brazil – Brazil makes corruption arrests Asia India – Court Approves University Quotas India – Cheap Hair Dye Banned in India After Suicides N. Korea – Japan renews N Korea sanctions S. Korea – South Korea’s President Looks to Repair U.S. Ties China – Ex-Party Boss in China Gets 18 Years Thailand – Police hunt for driver of Thai death truck Japan – Japan bans tracksuited Chinese torch guards, as relay moves to Buenos Aires Afghanistan – Afghan Bombing Kills Up to 8 Civilians, Including 3 Children Afghanistan – US is ‘undermining’ Afghan trials Russia – Russian military battles overweight soldiers Europe France – Students Step Up Protests Germany – Germany eases law on stem cells Italy – Italy rivals in final poll push Bosnia – Bosnia faces vote on EU reforms or isolation Bosnia – Police law helps Bosnia’s EU bid Norway – Church and State to Relax Ties Portugal – McCanns call for a Europe-wide alert system on missing children Middle East Israel – 2 Palestinians Held in Poison Plot Iraq – Bush Dispatches Envoys to Arab Capitals as Part of Iraq Plan Iraq – Bush Defies Calls for Faster Withdrawal of Iraq Troops Iraq – President George Bush to reduce tours of duty for US troops Iran – Spy photos reveal ‘secret launch site’ for Iran’s long-range missiles Iran – Cabinet Shakeup in Iran
By: Matthew Cordell on April 04, 2008 Top Stories >>NATO – Russian President Putin sat down for the first time with leaders at the NATO summit yesterday, although Russian concerns have been heavily considered throughout the three-day meeting. Putin expressed new concerns about the U.S. missile defense shield, but also agreed to let NATO ship non-lethal supplies through Russia to Afghanistan. All told, over the course of the summit, NATO nations and candidates offered 2,000 new troops for efforts in Afghanistan. >>Zimbabwe – Police in Harare have raided the offices of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and arrested two foreign journalists, including New York Times Pulitzer-prize winning correspondent Barry Bearak. Meanwhile, Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party met in an emergency session to discuss whether Mugabe would contest a runoff election. There are reports that he will cede power if there is a guarantee that he will not be prosecuted. However, conflicting posturing by ZANU-PF seems to imply that the party has begun to facture and may not be acting as a united entity. It has also rendered news reporting out of Zimbabwe incomplete if not contradictory. >>Colombia – Efforts to free ailing FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt, a former Colombia presidential candidate who also has French citizenship, have grown more frantic as French President Sarkozy has said that he is ready to travel to the Colombian border with Hugo Chavez if it will hasten her release. FARC has said that it will only free Betancourt through a prisoner exchange of hundreds of jailed FARC rebels, including Nayibe Rojas and Ricardo Palmera who are both held in U.S. prison. >>Iraq – Over 1,000 Iraqi soldiers, including some senior commanders, either refused to fight or deserted the army during the assault on Basra’s Shiite militias last week. Yesterday in UN Dispatch With Great Progress Comes Even Greater Efforts Passing the Buck
By: Matthew Cordell on Top Stories >>NATO – Russian President Putin sat down for the first time with leaders at the NATO summit yesterday, although Russian concerns have been heavily considered throughout the three-day meeting. Putin expressed new concerns about the U.S. missile defense shield, but also agreed to let NATO ship non-lethal supplies through Russia to Afghanistan. All told, over the course of the summit, NATO nations and candidates offered 2,000 new troops for efforts in Afghanistan. >>Zimbabwe – Police in Harare have raided the offices of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change and arrested two foreign journalists, including New York Times Pulitzer-prize winning correspondent Barry Bearak. Meanwhile, Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party met in an emergency session to discuss whether Mugabe would contest a runoff election. There are reports that he will cede power if there is a guarantee that he will not be prosecuted. However, conflicting posturing by ZANU-PF seems to imply that the party has begun to facture and may not be acting as a united entity. It has also rendered news reporting out of Zimbabwe incomplete if not contradictory. >>Colombia – Efforts to free ailing FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt, a former Colombia presidential candidate who also has French citizenship, have grown more frantic as French President Sarkozy has said that he is ready to travel to the Colombian border with Hugo Chavez if it will hasten her release. FARC has said that it will only free Betancourt through a prisoner exchange of hundreds of jailed FARC rebels, including Nayibe Rojas and Ricardo Palmera who are both held in U.S. prison. >>Iraq – Over 1,000 Iraqi soldiers, including some senior commanders, either refused to fight or deserted the army during the assault on Basra’s Shiite militias last week. Yesterday in UN Dispatch With Great Progress Comes Even Greater Efforts Passing the Buck
By: Matthew Cordell on March 28, 2008 Enjoy an Egg McMuffin with your Morning Coffee today in honor of its inventor, Herb Peterson, who died today at age 89. Starting 5 >>Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s hotly contested presidential election will be held tomorrow. Opposition leaders have repeatedly stated that 84-year-old President Mugabe, who has held power for 28 years, is again undermining the election. They claim to have already discovered 90,000 suspicious names on voting rolls. Yesterday he handed out 450 cars to doctors at government-run hospitals. Security forces are on high alert amid warnings by the opposition that they will carry out Kenya-style protests if they feel the election is rigged. The Times reports on the millions of Zimbabwean refugees living in South Africa, some of which may decide to return pending the results of tomorrow’s election. >>Tibet – Yesterday monks in Lhasa interrupted a carefully orchestrated press trip by the Chinese government at the Jokhang Temple. The group of 30 to 40 monks wept and shouted at Chinese authorities and spent 15 minutes with reporters rebutting what they said were Chinese lies about the recent unrest. The Chinese government announced that the monks won’t be punished. >>Colombia – Colombia is offering to suspend the sentences of jailed FARC guerillas if FARC, in turn, frees Ingrid Betancourt, along with other hostages. Betancourt, a former senator and presidential candidate who has spent six years in captivity, is feared to be ill, suffering from Hepatitis B and Lesmaniasis. >>Korea – North Korea test-fired a battery of short-range missiles today in further defiance of the new South Korean president’s reprimand on human rights and non-proliferation. The show of force follows the expulsion of 11 South Korean officials from a jointly run factory complex in Kaesong. >>Iraq – Iraq’s government has extended their deadline for Shia militias to lay down their arms by 10 days as the assault by government forces in Basra has begun to stall. Yesterday in UN Dispatch What’s In A Name? UN Population Fund joins others to launch campaign in DRC against sexual violence Attacks on Aid Workers Threatening Relief Operations in Darfur The Rest of the Story Africa Tutu wants SA arms deal inquiry Kenya in mobile phone share sale U.N. body calls on Sudan to tackle rights abuses Kenya power-sharing hits deadlock over cabinet Americas TV crew denies passing fatal flu Honduras: Cantaloupe Ban Criticized Bolivia: Deadline Set for Energy Nationalization Canada confident NATO will help its Afghan troops Argentine leader warns strikers Robert Gates wants list of all US nuclear arms Asia Shi’ite-Sunni clashes intensify in northwest Pakistan Tibetan children in Nepal protest Sri Lanka probes ‘bomber offer’ 21 Indonesians Die After Drinking Tonic Boat Sinks in Philippines; 13 Are Missing Japan court rules troops involved in WW2 suicides China allows diplomats into Tibet E Timor leader criticises troops US hails progress in Russia talks China Law Could Impede Microsoft Deal for Yahoo Japanese inflation hits decade high Fallout From Tibet Is Test for China’s Rulers Europe Dutch relief at Muslim restraint over Koran film Belarus: Journalist’s Homes Raided France flies rebel out of Comoros Italy murder fuels ‘mafia’ fears U.S. critical of “brutal” Belarus crackdown Sarkozy and Brown list joint plans Vatican distances Pope from views of baptized Muslim EU peacekeepers raid homes of Karadzic family EU warns Italy over cheese scare German plans for maglev derailed
By: Matthew Cordell on Enjoy an Egg McMuffin with your Morning Coffee today in honor of its inventor, Herb Peterson, who died today at age 89. Starting 5 >>Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s hotly contested presidential election will be held tomorrow. Opposition leaders have repeatedly stated that 84-year-old President Mugabe, who has held power for 28 years, is again undermining the election. They claim to have already discovered 90,000 suspicious names on voting rolls. Yesterday he handed out 450 cars to doctors at government-run hospitals. Security forces are on high alert amid warnings by the opposition that they will carry out Kenya-style protests if they feel the election is rigged. The Times reports on the millions of Zimbabwean refugees living in South Africa, some of which may decide to return pending the results of tomorrow’s election. >>Tibet – Yesterday monks in Lhasa interrupted a carefully orchestrated press trip by the Chinese government at the Jokhang Temple. The group of 30 to 40 monks wept and shouted at Chinese authorities and spent 15 minutes with reporters rebutting what they said were Chinese lies about the recent unrest. The Chinese government announced that the monks won’t be punished. >>Colombia – Colombia is offering to suspend the sentences of jailed FARC guerillas if FARC, in turn, frees Ingrid Betancourt, along with other hostages. Betancourt, a former senator and presidential candidate who has spent six years in captivity, is feared to be ill, suffering from Hepatitis B and Lesmaniasis. >>Korea – North Korea test-fired a battery of short-range missiles today in further defiance of the new South Korean president’s reprimand on human rights and non-proliferation. The show of force follows the expulsion of 11 South Korean officials from a jointly run factory complex in Kaesong. >>Iraq – Iraq’s government has extended their deadline for Shia militias to lay down their arms by 10 days as the assault by government forces in Basra has begun to stall. Yesterday in UN Dispatch What’s In A Name? UN Population Fund joins others to launch campaign in DRC against sexual violence Attacks on Aid Workers Threatening Relief Operations in Darfur The Rest of the Story Africa Tutu wants SA arms deal inquiry Kenya in mobile phone share sale U.N. body calls on Sudan to tackle rights abuses Kenya power-sharing hits deadlock over cabinet Americas TV crew denies passing fatal flu Honduras: Cantaloupe Ban Criticized Bolivia: Deadline Set for Energy Nationalization Canada confident NATO will help its Afghan troops Argentine leader warns strikers Robert Gates wants list of all US nuclear arms Asia Shi’ite-Sunni clashes intensify in northwest Pakistan Tibetan children in Nepal protest Sri Lanka probes ‘bomber offer’ 21 Indonesians Die After Drinking Tonic Boat Sinks in Philippines; 13 Are Missing Japan court rules troops involved in WW2 suicides China allows diplomats into Tibet E Timor leader criticises troops US hails progress in Russia talks China Law Could Impede Microsoft Deal for Yahoo Japanese inflation hits decade high Fallout From Tibet Is Test for China’s Rulers Europe Dutch relief at Muslim restraint over Koran film Belarus: Journalist’s Homes Raided France flies rebel out of Comoros Italy murder fuels ‘mafia’ fears U.S. critical of “brutal” Belarus crackdown Sarkozy and Brown list joint plans Vatican distances Pope from views of baptized Muslim EU peacekeepers raid homes of Karadzic family EU warns Italy over cheese scare German plans for maglev derailed
By: Matthew Cordell on March 14, 2008 Top Stories >>Tibet – Ongoing protests surrounding the anniversary of the 1959 uprising that led to the flight of the Dalai Lama continue to grow. Yesterday, hundreds of monks took to the streets in Lhasa in the largest demonstrations against Chinese rule in over two decades. Chinese authorities responded by locking down the three largest monasteries. At least two monks in those monasteries attempted suicide by stabbing themselves. Others are on hunger strike. Today, protesters have set fire to police cars and shops. Mount Everest has been closed in hopes that protestors won’t spoil the planned Olympic torch assent. >>Iran – Iran’s general election is under way. Conservatives are expected to do well, as everyone else has been barred from running. Iranian authorities are countering expected lackluster participation by entreating citizens to vote as a sign of defiance of the U.S. and other enemies of Iran. >>Pakistan – The last corruption charge (the ‘BMW case’) and impediment to Asif Ali Zardari’s ability to seek public office was dropped today. Quote of the Day “Concern over climbing activities, crowded climbing routes and increasing environmental pressures will cause potential safety problems in Qomalangma areas. We are not able to accept your expedition, so please postpone your climbing.” – A letter to expedition companies from the China Tibet Mountaineering Association announcing the closing of Mt. Everest. UN Dispatch Peace AND Justice in Northern Uganda UN Addresses Reproductive Health Disparities in the U.S. No connection between legality and incidence Africa Liberia’s Taylor ordered cannibalism, court told Kenyan president appoints panel to probe election Nigeria looks to solve power crisis In South Africa, Crime Is Child’s Play Sudan and Chad Sign Peace Pact Americas Moderate quake rattles southern Mexico Dollar plunges to record low Cuba: Finally, Something to Buy Backyard Body Count Up to 33 in Mexico Bush Signals Intent to Force Vote in Congress This Year on Colombian Trade Deal Asia Romanovs bless Medvedev after Russian vote win Thaksin supporters lose bid to lead Thai senate Malaysia PM urged to resign as rift opens in party Chen fires Beijing a defiant parting shot US envoy urges N Korea progress Taiwan Referendum Faces Boycott Europe Macedonian govt in crisis as Albanian party quits Al Qaeda gives 3-day ultimatum on Austria hostages Japan denies German activist entry ahead of G8 EU opens door to Croatia membership Oceania Human shield to defy kangaroo killers
By: Matthew Cordell on March 07, 2008 An 8-year-old Brazilian who passed a law school entrance exam has been blocked from enrolling becasuse they think he should finish elementary school first. Top Stories >>Jerusalem – At least one gunman entered the Merkaz Harav seminary in Jerusalem on Thursday and fired 500 to 600 bullets, killing eight and endangering a fragile lull in the violence and the possibility of the resumption of peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Israel has said that it will not break off talks. >>Weapons – Russian arms dealer Viktor “Merchant of Death” Bout, said to be the inspiration for the protagonist in Lord of War was arrested in a Bangkok hotel room on Thursday by D.E.A. agents posing as FARC rebels attempting by buy millions in arms. He was promptly charged with conspiracy in the U.S. >>United Nations – Two top jobs at the UN just opened up as Jean-Marie Guehenno, the Undersecretary General for Peackeeping, and Louis Arbour, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, have decided to leave their posts. Guehenno oversaw UN peacekeeping over an 8-year period, during which time the number of peacekeeping missions and peacekeepers skyrocketed at the request of the UN Security Council. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Scorched Earth in Darfur – by John Boonstra NHCR Releases Guide Addressing Women’s Protection and Empowerment – by Mark Leon Goldberg Why A Billion People Need a Stronger U.S.-UN Partnership – by John Boonstra Mediators on Call – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Africa … Traumatized Darfur refugees seek safety in Chad Zimbabwe shuts door on Western election observers Asia … Russia may offer Afghan route for Nato Iran vote expected to test president’s popularity U.S. negotiator wants North Korean declaration in March Sri Lanka says fresh fighting kills 42, most rebels North Korea far poorer than reported: expert Musharraf says will back new Pakistan coalition Ukraine president again blasts PM on Russia gas row Hamid Karzai gets his way as UN appoints low-profile envoy On Election Eve, Hazy Prospects for Malaysia Premier Europe … Serbian leader “no longer trusts” coalition allies Middle East … Nine dead as gunman hits Jerusalem seminary Bombs Kill 54 and Wound 123 in Baghdad
By: Matthew Cordell on February 29, 2008 Beware the plague of the jellyfish, but flock to the Indian train system. It sounds safer than Amtrak … in one way at least. Top Stories >>Kenya – Rival leaders in Kenya signed a powersharing agreement yesterday, a day after it looked like talks had fallen apart. The agreement, mediated by Kofi Annan, stipulates the creation of a powerful Prime Minister position, which will be filled by opposition leader Odinga, and the splitting of cabinet posts between the government and opposition. When news of the agreement was broadcast, crowds filled the streets of Nairobi to celebrate. >>Cuba – Cuba signed two UN human rights agreements, both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, yesterday, a step that Fidel Castro had been unwilling to take. Both went into force in 1976. Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque also announced that Cuba would open its doors to UN Human Rights Council scrutiny in 2009. >>Afghanistan – Prince Harry, third in line to the throne of England, has been serving on the front lines in Afghanistan for the last 10 weeks (timeline) as part of a deal to keep him from leaving the Army after he was denied deployment in Iraq. The news was kept safe through a remarkable media blackout deal between the UK military and news outlets, which was broken by a “world exclusive” on the Drudge Report, prompting rebukes from, among others, News of the World Executive Editor Neil Wallis and the head of the British Army. Prince Harry, known by call sign “Widow Six Seven,” worked as a forward air controller at forward operating base Delhi near the border with Pakistan (excellent color here). He is now slated to be withdrawn, amid concerns for his safety and that of his fellow soldiers. Quote of the Day “It’s bizarre. I’m out here now, haven’t really had a shower for four days, haven’t washed my clothes for a week and everything seems completely normal … I think this is about as normal as I’m ever going to get.” – Prince Harry “I am very disappointed that foreign websites have decided to run this story without consulting us. This is in stark contrast to the highly responsible attitude that the whole of the UK print and broadcast media, along with a small number overseas, who have entered into an understanding with us over the coverage of Prince Harry on operations.” – Sir Richard Dannatt, head of the British Army Yesterday in UN Dispatch Tension Between Peace and Justice – by John Boonstra Disturbing News – by Mark Leon Goldberg UN agencies rally to end to female genital mutilation within a generation – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Africa … Deadly violence rages in Cameroon Sarkozy seeks new Africa defence ties Chad prolongs state of emergency for 15 days Logging in Congo River Basin Imperils Sea Turtles Very Far Downstream Burkina Faso: Protests Spread to Capital France ‘to change African links’ Americas … Landslide hits Ecuador pipeline Chavez seeks international mediation for Colombia Asia … Nepalese ethnic group ends strike Rare cashmere goats starve after heavy snow Litvinenko friend seeks U.S. data on polonium Beijing opens new $3.6 bln air terminal South Korea President Lee finally gets PM approved Britain tells China don’t fear action on problem states Russian “Bear” bombers fly over the Atlantic Thousands gather in Manila for anti-Arroyo protest China’s Offer To Resume Rights Talks Is Discounted King must pay his electricity bill Russia Is Luring Back N.H.L. Stars Bangladesh death toll rises to 39 Europe … Eurozone growth outlook darkens Adopt defence system or face disaster, warns US official Germany: Gallery Shut After Muslim Threats Middle East … US warship sails towards Lebanon Hezbollah says US ship is threat Turkey withdraws troops from Iraq Chemical Ali to be executed within 30 days Israeli minister warns of Palestinian ‘holocaust’ Iran U.N. sanctions vote seen likely Saturday Strikes in Gaza Kill 18 Palestinians; Hamas Rocket Barrage Injures 2 Israelis Elsewhere … Near Arctic, Seed Vault Is a Fort Knox of Food
By: Matthew Cordell on February 22, 2008 President Bush’s dance movies in Liberia have been unfairly labeled as “David Brent-style gyrations.” Obama handily wins the Democratic “global primary,” but only claims .5 more delegates…don’t ask me how you get half a delegate. Top Stories vs. >>Serbia – Hundred of thousands of Serbs protested Kosovo’s declaration of independence in Belgrade, setting fire to the already closed U.S. embassy and damaging the UK embassy, which was quickly condemned by the UN Security Council. >>Uganda – Two days after reported progress in peace talks, the Lord’s Resistance Army has walked out of negotiations because the government balked at demands for cash and cabinet positions. The BBC reports on how the violence in Kenya has disrupted the food aid route from Mombasa to Kampala. The WFP has strategic reserves, but those are dwindling. >>Missile Defense – In a predictable follow-up to yesterday’s missile strike on a failing satellite, U.S. Secretary of Defense has said that the action proved that the controversial U.S. missle defense system works. >>Pakistan – The Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-N, long-time rivals, have agreed to form a coalition government, after together claiming a majority of seats in parliamentary elections on Monday. Analysts speculate that the first acts of the new government may be to reinstate Iftikhar Chaudry as chief justice and call for a UN investigation into Bhutto’s assassination. The PPP will meet to pick the next Prime Minister. Party leader and Bhutto widower, Asif Ali Zardari is not eligible. >>Iraq – Moqtada al-Sadr has agreed to extend his ceasefire, widely thought to have reduced violence in Iraq by more than half, another six months. >>Iran – Britain and France have formally submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council seeking another round of sanctions against Iran. They hope for passage next week. The U.S. had hoped for earlier adoption of the resolution, but several Member States pressed to wait until after the IAEA’s latest report is released today. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Liberian President raises a glass to Bush and the U.S. – by John Boonstra A timely launch for Samantha Power’s new book – by John Boonstra More on the Eritrean Peacekeeping Crisis – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Africa … Chad rebels deny government talks as EU troops fly in Four more killed in Mogadishu fighting Tribunal to rule on Nigerian president on Tuesday Congo rebels halt participation in ceasefire body AU troops to fight Comoros revolt U.S. Policy in Africa Faulted on Priorities Deal to Share Power in Kenya Appears in Reach Americas … Plane Carrying 46 Missing in Venezuela Asia … Mickey Mouse turns grey as Japan runs out of children for its theme parks Thai PM vows “rigorous” war on drugs despite outcry Tiger rebels say Sri Lanka jets kill 8 civilians ‘There is peace. We have a new airport. People are satisfied’ Nepal strives to get fuel supply Planet’s Burma guide ‘unethical’ Twenty dead in Philippine floods Pakistanis Strike Political Accord Magazine Appeals Ruling That It Libeled Suharto East Timor: President Out of Coma NATO Chief Warns of Threats to Afghan Mission Pakistan Shift Could Curtail Drone Strikes Europe … Clamour grows to reveal the secret report that throws light on EU ‘fraud’ Desperate hunt for US pilot in freezing seas Serbia to roll out sell-off Italy: Calabria Mob on the Rise Italy Follows Trail of Secret South American Abductions Middle East … Saudi Hip-Hop’s Painful Birth Alarmed by violence, Lebanon clerics urge calm Britain and France hope for Iran sanctions vote soon Hamas urges EU to up pressure on Israel over Gaza Iranians spar with Israel at UN Saudi scholars back women drivers US slaps sanctions on top Syrian Turkish troops enter north Iraq Security Council Weighs New Sanctions on Iran Journalist Sentenced to Death in Iran, Accused of Terrorism Friday Morning Coffee Matthew Cordell February 15, 2008 By: Matthew Cordell on February 15, 2008 A day after Valentine’s, and where’s the love? Romney has some for McCain. I have some for Indy. Top Stories >>Hezbollah – In front of 10,000 mourners at the funeral of Imad Mughnieh in Beirut, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel with “open war,” because he said, “you have killed Hajj Imad outside the natural battlefield.” Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki read a letter of condolence from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Israel stepped up security in the wake of his death. Tens of thousands also gathered yesterday in Beirut to commemorate the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. (Photos of both rallies.) >>Oceans – Science has published a report suggesting that only four percent of the world’s oceans remain pristine. Roughly 41 percent has been affected strongly by human activity — including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The report was unprecedented in its detail: each square kilometer of ocean was examined individually. >>Iraq – Iraq’s parliament announced that it would rely heavily on the United Nations to help organize the October 1 provincial elections mandated by the package of legislation passed earlier this week. >>Eritrea – UNMEE, the UN peacekeeping force for Ethiopia and Eritrea, has begun to withdraw from its bases. Eritrea had attempted to force the hand of the international community on a border dispute by cutting the fuel supply of the mission. Quote of the Day “We want to assure the Iraqi people that this time the elections will be free and transparent. We will cooperate completely with the United Nations and prevent any violations.” – Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, speaker of Iraq’s Parliament Yesterday in UN Dispatch Bono, Ban ki Moon, and many others honor Tom Lantos – by Mark Leon Goldberg “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste” – by Matthew Cordell Bush administration pushes for bilateral ties with Iraq – by John Boonstra The Demand-Side Attack on Climate Change – by Matthew Cordell The Rest of the Story Africa … Kenyans say Britain is ‘wrecking the boat’ Darfur town emptied after attack as militia roam Kenya to probe radio hate speech Kenya constitution ‘within year’ State of emergency in Chad Turmoil in Africa Alters Focus of Bush’s 5-Nation Tour Zimbabwe: Inflation Surges to Official 66,000% Signs in Kenya of a Land Redrawn by Ethnicity Zimbabwe Opponent Criticizes Mbeki Americas … War of words over evictions of poor US plans missile launch to destroy rogue spy satellite Ecuador probes ‘attack on tribe’ World Briefing | The Americas: Paraguay: Neighbors Rush Yellow Fever Vaccines Asia … Japan proposes ‘peace’ tunnel to South Korea Enduring Tajikistan’s coldest winter Uzbek forces ‘killed journalist’ Bhutto widower warns on election India state disputes tiger count Security tight for Manila rally Philippines on Alert After Plot Hundreds Mourn at Burial of East Timor Rebel President Putin Talks of the Future as Premier Myanmar: Senior Rebel Leader Shot Dead Georgia Exile Autopsied Russia Gives Warning on Kosovo Repercussions, News Agency Says Medvedev Pledges Reform in Russia Serbia urges UN action on Kosovo Europe … UK unveils space plan to fight climate change Earthquake Shakes Southern Greece Middle East … In a First, Ahmadinejad To Visit Iraq Next Month U.N. tells Saudis to tackle violence against women Hamas leader in Egypt for border talks Quake shakes Mideast, causes injuries in Lebanon Israel Heightens Its Security After a Threat of Revenge Hezbollah Threatens Attacks on Israeli Targets Israel deny they killed Imad Mughnieh, a ‘cruel, dangerous man’ Tension high for Beirut memorials Elsewhere … Vaccine against HIV ‘no nearer’ Friday Morning Coffee Matthew Cordell February 8, 2008 By: Matthew Cordell on February 08, 2008 Romney dropped out of the Republican process. Yusuf al-Qaradawi was refused a UK visa, while Amy Winehouse was denied a U.S. one. The latter will not be able to perform at the Grammy awards. Top Stories >>Smoking – A WHO report, financed by Michael Bloomberg’s foundation, has found that a billion people could be killed by cigarettes in the 21st century. Poorer countries, where cigarette sales continue to climb, collect 5,000 times as much revenue from tobacco as they use to fight its use. And, only 5 percent of the world has no smoking laws similar to those in New York. >>Pakistan – Detectives from Scotland Yard have determined that Benazir Bhutto was killed by a bomb blast, not gunfire. The Pakistan People’s Party maintains that she was shot by an assassin, and that there was a cover-up. There was no post-mortem performed on Bhutto and the scene was scrubbed soon after the event. >>Afghanistan – Responding to a Canadian ultimatum and an unwillingness by other NATO members, France has agreed to send troops to southern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the relationship between Afghanistan and Britain has reached a new low. >>India and China – The economies of both India and China are showing signs of long-term slowing. India’s growth rate for 2008 to this point is 8.7 percent, down from 9.6 percent last year. Forecasters see more of the same coming. Likewise, both Chinese and World Bank Economists have predicted something in the range of 9.4 percent growth for China this year and suggest that last year’s 11.4 percent growth might represent China’s peak. Quote of the Day “The W.H.O. is described by the tobacco industry as its biggest enemy. Today we intend to enhance that reputation.” – Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO director general. Misleading Headline of the Day Viagra renders fighter pilots a potent force – Times Yesterday in UN Dispatch Peacekeeping Budget and the Pentagon – by Mark Leon Goldberg Third DRC Suspect in ICC Custody – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Africa … 3rd Ex-Warlord Sent to U.N. Court Chad Capital Under Curfew Days After Coup Effort Failed U.S. Intensifies Efforts to End Deadly Conflict in Kenya Arrests over Mauritanian attack US imposes travel ban on 10 Kenyans Chad calls for EU deployment as rebels regroup Somali refugee students yearn for school Fighting in Chad’s Capital Ebbs, but Problems Loom Murder charges for Kenya police Tanzanian PM to resign over graft Americas … Court Bars Sale of Billions in Oil Assets by Venezuela Mexican Robin Hood Figure Gains a Kind of Notoriety in U.S. Volcano sparks Ecuador evacuation Mukasey rejects waterboarding probe Asia … Two Arrested in Bhutto Assassination Rats destroy crops in Bangladesh UK police say blast killed Bhutto Khmer Rouge victims in court Gazprom threat to Ukraine gas Nepal king criticises parliament Pakistan agrees to Taliban truce North Korea Pact Could Hinge on Syria China welcomes Year of the Rat Sri Lankan troops kill 34 Tamil rebels Australia releases whaling photos Europe … Top Anglican Seeks a Role for Islamic Law in Britain European Banks Confront Economic Slowdown Picasso art stolen from gallery French approve EU treaty ‘Mafiosi’ held in US and Sicily Croatia contains cargo ship fire Sarkozy’s popularity plummets Suspected ETA bomb explodes in Spain Kosovo expects quick recognition by “100 countries” It may not be old Britannia, but it will not cost the Earth Middle East … Iran Is Reported to Test New Centrifuges to Make Atomic Fuel Iraqi Parliament Debates Split of Power and Money Hit by Rockets, Israel Attacks, Killing 7 Lebanon in confrontation with Syria, Iran: Hariri Arab envoy gets rival Lebanese leaders to meet Israel launches deadly Gaza raids Oceania … Australia ends “Pacific Solution” for refugees Elsewhere … Muslim Backing Of Al-Qaeda Wanes Friday Morning Coffee Matthew Cordell February 1, 2008 By: Matthew Cordell on February 01, 2008 Hillary and Barack debated in Hollywood to a crowd you usually see at a Lakers game. The candidates are releasing their 2007 fundraising numbers. Obama has raised $32 million so far in 2008. Top Stories >>Malaria – The WHO is reporting that the widespread use of anti-malarial bed nets and artemisinin, a new drug, has sharply reduced malaria deaths in some African countries. Malaria still kills over a million people a year, most of them children, and is crippling the African economy. Send a net, save a life. >>Chad – Rebels representing the Union of Forces for Democracy from eastern Chad and seeking to drive the president from power, are advancing on N’Djamena. Government troops have been dispatched to confront the 300 vehicle column less than 50 miles from the capital. Five UNHCR vehicles have been hijacked and their offices to the east have twice been entered by armed gunmen. France is deploying 150 additional troops to provide additional protection for French nationals. Rebel groups believe that French troops helped thwart their assault on N’Djamena in 2006. A 3,700-strong EU peacekeeping force, which the rebels also oppose, is set to deploy to the refugee camps in eastern Chad in the next few weeks. >>Afghanistan – Senior al-Qaeda leader in Afghanistan and star of several al-Qaeda videos, Abu Laith al-Libi, was killed by a U.S. airstrike in Northern Waziristan. Sources indicate that the missle was fired by a drone. Following Canada’s declaration that it would withdraw its 2,500 troops from Afghanistan if NATO doesn’t deploy 1,000 more troops to Afghanistan, US Sec. of Defense Robert Gates pushed Germany to do so, in what is being reported as an “unusually blunt” exchange. Reportedly, German Minister of Defense Franz Jung plans to announce at NATO defense ministers at the next meeting in Vilnius next Thursday that Germany plans to send a 250-strong “Quick Reaction Force.” Germany’s rules of engagement, out of step with the rest of the NATO mission, will also alledgedly be part of the discussion. >>The Internet – Apparently a distressed ship attempting to moor off the coast of Egypt cut the line that has left 75 million with diminished internet services, mainly in the Middle East and India. If you’re interested in the cable network that crisscrosses the ocean floor, this is a really cool map. >>Kenya – Ban Ki-moon is in Kenya to help revitalize the fledgling peace process initiated by Kofi Annan. Four, accused of looting and burning residences and businesses, were killed by police in Eldoret in western Kenya in the wake of the murder of opposition MP David Too. Although the opposition claims that it was a political assasination, evidence points more convincingly to a love triangle >>Whaling – Japanese ships have resumed whaling in antarctic waters as anti-whaling activists were forced to leave to refuel. >>Trash – The EU ordered Italy to take out the garbage in Naples. Nearly 250,000 tons of garbage has piled up on the streats. Collectors have stopped because there is no more room at the regional dumps. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Somalia’s Crisis Continues In the Shadow of Darfur – Matthew Cordell Secretary General to Visit Kenya – Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Swiss AIDS Experts: Unprotected Sex OK for Some Navy Tests High-Powered Electromagnetic Railgun Bangladesh steps up vigilance as bird flu spreads No Serbian violence expected over Kosovo: EU Copy China and invest abroad, says Medvedev OPEC Pins Hopes on U.S. Soft Landing Judge Bans Carnival Float Depicting Naked Holocaust Victims EU states oppose Kosovo bid India MP held over rival’s death Mauritania gunmen hit embassy China freeze ‘has cost billions’ Rwanda opens stock exchange Noriega appeals ‘not exhausted’ New plan for HIV marriage tests Kosovo declaration ‘not imminent’ Blizzards and Coal Shortages Strain China’s Rail Network China Accuses Online Activist of Subversion Rights Group Says U.S. Is Too Eager to Endorse Suspect Elections China’s Inflation Hits American Price Tags Zimbabwe: Inflation at New Peak In Report, Officers Call for Major Overhaul of NATO Israel’s Mauritania Embassy Attacked Friday Morning Coffee Matthew Cordell January 25, 2008 By: Matthew Cordell on January 25, 2008 Roger Federer’s grand slam winning streak finally came to an end. The wife of a Fairfax county school administrator left a message on the answering machine of a student who called her husband at home…and it is all the rage on YouTube. Top Stories >>The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany have agreed on a draft resolution enacting a new round of sanctions against Iran — including a new restriction on those exporting to Iran and a stricter ban on travel for Iranian nuclear scientists. It is unlikely that the resolution will be introduced in the Council until next month, at which time Iran has agreed to the IAEA to answer remaining questions on its nuclear program. >>Brazil announced yesterday that the rate of Amazon rainforest destruction increased roughly 400 percent from August to December 2007. President Lula da Silva has vowed a 25 percent increase in the region’s police force. >>U.S. Secretary of Defense Gates said that the U.S. was prepared to send troops to assist Pakistan in fighting militants. Meanwhile, police in Indian-controlled Kashmir have killed a top commander of the pro-Pakistani Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami militant group, who was the mastermind of three bombings in Uttar Pradesh last November. >>The EU member states’ foreign ministers are expected to agree to a 1,800-person stabilization force for Kosovo on Monday, under the expectation that it will soon declare independence from Serbia. Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has said that it is only a matter of days. >>Italy’s Prime Minister Romano Prodi has resigned after losing a vote of confidence in the Senate. President Giorgio Napolitano is holding emergency meetings with political leaders in an effort to avoid snap elections. >>Amid continuing violence, warring Kenyan political leaders met for the first time face to face, along with Kofi Annan, who is facilitating the negotiations. Even the most optimistic analysts agree that this is at best the first step in a long process. The Rest of the Story Egypt moves to seal Gaza border The U.S.’s Weighty Role on the World Stage Russia Talks of a Stability Beyond Ties to the U.S. Frailty of U.S. Finances Has Japanese Agonizing Arms control role for Wolfowitz Britain: Plan to Hold Terror Suspects 42 Days Finland: Sexual Harassment in Parliament Turkey to Alter Speech Law Face recognition technique aids security – and lookalike searches Al Arabiya ‘Chickens-to-Terror’ Promo Ad Is a Head-Scratcher Senators Criticize U.N. Program in North Korea, but Question Set of Accusations Iraq forced to hold ‘rolling elections’ Report: Muslim Cleric Issues Fatwa Against Bollywood Star Sierra Leone farmers return to dig fields, not gems Pope urges ‘more ethical’ media Fidel Castro polished his memoirs near death The British have made matters worse, says Afghan President Japan expected to pledge emissions cut
By: Matthew Cordell on February 15, 2008 A day after Valentine’s, and where’s the love? Romney has some for McCain. I have some for Indy. Top Stories >>Hezbollah – In front of 10,000 mourners at the funeral of Imad Mughnieh in Beirut, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel with “open war,” because he said, “you have killed Hajj Imad outside the natural battlefield.” Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki read a letter of condolence from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Israel stepped up security in the wake of his death. Tens of thousands also gathered yesterday in Beirut to commemorate the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. (Photos of both rallies.) >>Oceans – Science has published a report suggesting that only four percent of the world’s oceans remain pristine. Roughly 41 percent has been affected strongly by human activity — including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The report was unprecedented in its detail: each square kilometer of ocean was examined individually. >>Iraq – Iraq’s parliament announced that it would rely heavily on the United Nations to help organize the October 1 provincial elections mandated by the package of legislation passed earlier this week. >>Eritrea – UNMEE, the UN peacekeeping force for Ethiopia and Eritrea, has begun to withdraw from its bases. Eritrea had attempted to force the hand of the international community on a border dispute by cutting the fuel supply of the mission. Quote of the Day “We want to assure the Iraqi people that this time the elections will be free and transparent. We will cooperate completely with the United Nations and prevent any violations.” – Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, speaker of Iraq’s Parliament Yesterday in UN Dispatch Bono, Ban ki Moon, and many others honor Tom Lantos – by Mark Leon Goldberg “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste” – by Matthew Cordell Bush administration pushes for bilateral ties with Iraq – by John Boonstra The Demand-Side Attack on Climate Change – by Matthew Cordell The Rest of the Story Africa … Kenyans say Britain is ‘wrecking the boat’ Darfur town emptied after attack as militia roam Kenya to probe radio hate speech Kenya constitution ‘within year’ State of emergency in Chad Turmoil in Africa Alters Focus of Bush’s 5-Nation Tour Zimbabwe: Inflation Surges to Official 66,000% Signs in Kenya of a Land Redrawn by Ethnicity Zimbabwe Opponent Criticizes Mbeki Americas … War of words over evictions of poor US plans missile launch to destroy rogue spy satellite Ecuador probes ‘attack on tribe’ World Briefing | The Americas: Paraguay: Neighbors Rush Yellow Fever Vaccines Asia … Japan proposes ‘peace’ tunnel to South Korea Enduring Tajikistan’s coldest winter Uzbek forces ‘killed journalist’ Bhutto widower warns on election India state disputes tiger count Security tight for Manila rally Philippines on Alert After Plot Hundreds Mourn at Burial of East Timor Rebel President Putin Talks of the Future as Premier Myanmar: Senior Rebel Leader Shot Dead Georgia Exile Autopsied Russia Gives Warning on Kosovo Repercussions, News Agency Says Medvedev Pledges Reform in Russia Serbia urges UN action on Kosovo Europe … UK unveils space plan to fight climate change Earthquake Shakes Southern Greece Middle East … In a First, Ahmadinejad To Visit Iraq Next Month U.N. tells Saudis to tackle violence against women Hamas leader in Egypt for border talks Quake shakes Mideast, causes injuries in Lebanon Israel Heightens Its Security After a Threat of Revenge Hezbollah Threatens Attacks on Israeli Targets Israel deny they killed Imad Mughnieh, a ‘cruel, dangerous man’ Tension high for Beirut memorials Elsewhere … Vaccine against HIV ‘no nearer’
By: Matthew Cordell on February 08, 2008 Romney dropped out of the Republican process. Yusuf al-Qaradawi was refused a UK visa, while Amy Winehouse was denied a U.S. one. The latter will not be able to perform at the Grammy awards. Top Stories >>Smoking – A WHO report, financed by Michael Bloomberg’s foundation, has found that a billion people could be killed by cigarettes in the 21st century. Poorer countries, where cigarette sales continue to climb, collect 5,000 times as much revenue from tobacco as they use to fight its use. And, only 5 percent of the world has no smoking laws similar to those in New York. >>Pakistan – Detectives from Scotland Yard have determined that Benazir Bhutto was killed by a bomb blast, not gunfire. The Pakistan People’s Party maintains that she was shot by an assassin, and that there was a cover-up. There was no post-mortem performed on Bhutto and the scene was scrubbed soon after the event. >>Afghanistan – Responding to a Canadian ultimatum and an unwillingness by other NATO members, France has agreed to send troops to southern Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the relationship between Afghanistan and Britain has reached a new low. >>India and China – The economies of both India and China are showing signs of long-term slowing. India’s growth rate for 2008 to this point is 8.7 percent, down from 9.6 percent last year. Forecasters see more of the same coming. Likewise, both Chinese and World Bank Economists have predicted something in the range of 9.4 percent growth for China this year and suggest that last year’s 11.4 percent growth might represent China’s peak. Quote of the Day “The W.H.O. is described by the tobacco industry as its biggest enemy. Today we intend to enhance that reputation.” – Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO director general. Misleading Headline of the Day Viagra renders fighter pilots a potent force – Times Yesterday in UN Dispatch Peacekeeping Budget and the Pentagon – by Mark Leon Goldberg Third DRC Suspect in ICC Custody – by Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Africa … 3rd Ex-Warlord Sent to U.N. Court Chad Capital Under Curfew Days After Coup Effort Failed U.S. Intensifies Efforts to End Deadly Conflict in Kenya Arrests over Mauritanian attack US imposes travel ban on 10 Kenyans Chad calls for EU deployment as rebels regroup Somali refugee students yearn for school Fighting in Chad’s Capital Ebbs, but Problems Loom Murder charges for Kenya police Tanzanian PM to resign over graft Americas … Court Bars Sale of Billions in Oil Assets by Venezuela Mexican Robin Hood Figure Gains a Kind of Notoriety in U.S. Volcano sparks Ecuador evacuation Mukasey rejects waterboarding probe Asia … Two Arrested in Bhutto Assassination Rats destroy crops in Bangladesh UK police say blast killed Bhutto Khmer Rouge victims in court Gazprom threat to Ukraine gas Nepal king criticises parliament Pakistan agrees to Taliban truce North Korea Pact Could Hinge on Syria China welcomes Year of the Rat Sri Lankan troops kill 34 Tamil rebels Australia releases whaling photos Europe … Top Anglican Seeks a Role for Islamic Law in Britain European Banks Confront Economic Slowdown Picasso art stolen from gallery French approve EU treaty ‘Mafiosi’ held in US and Sicily Croatia contains cargo ship fire Sarkozy’s popularity plummets Suspected ETA bomb explodes in Spain Kosovo expects quick recognition by “100 countries” It may not be old Britannia, but it will not cost the Earth Middle East … Iran Is Reported to Test New Centrifuges to Make Atomic Fuel Iraqi Parliament Debates Split of Power and Money Hit by Rockets, Israel Attacks, Killing 7 Lebanon in confrontation with Syria, Iran: Hariri Arab envoy gets rival Lebanese leaders to meet Israel launches deadly Gaza raids Oceania … Australia ends “Pacific Solution” for refugees Elsewhere … Muslim Backing Of Al-Qaeda Wanes
By: Matthew Cordell on February 01, 2008 Hillary and Barack debated in Hollywood to a crowd you usually see at a Lakers game. The candidates are releasing their 2007 fundraising numbers. Obama has raised $32 million so far in 2008. Top Stories >>Malaria – The WHO is reporting that the widespread use of anti-malarial bed nets and artemisinin, a new drug, has sharply reduced malaria deaths in some African countries. Malaria still kills over a million people a year, most of them children, and is crippling the African economy. Send a net, save a life. >>Chad – Rebels representing the Union of Forces for Democracy from eastern Chad and seeking to drive the president from power, are advancing on N’Djamena. Government troops have been dispatched to confront the 300 vehicle column less than 50 miles from the capital. Five UNHCR vehicles have been hijacked and their offices to the east have twice been entered by armed gunmen. France is deploying 150 additional troops to provide additional protection for French nationals. Rebel groups believe that French troops helped thwart their assault on N’Djamena in 2006. A 3,700-strong EU peacekeeping force, which the rebels also oppose, is set to deploy to the refugee camps in eastern Chad in the next few weeks. >>Afghanistan – Senior al-Qaeda leader in Afghanistan and star of several al-Qaeda videos, Abu Laith al-Libi, was killed by a U.S. airstrike in Northern Waziristan. Sources indicate that the missle was fired by a drone. Following Canada’s declaration that it would withdraw its 2,500 troops from Afghanistan if NATO doesn’t deploy 1,000 more troops to Afghanistan, US Sec. of Defense Robert Gates pushed Germany to do so, in what is being reported as an “unusually blunt” exchange. Reportedly, German Minister of Defense Franz Jung plans to announce at NATO defense ministers at the next meeting in Vilnius next Thursday that Germany plans to send a 250-strong “Quick Reaction Force.” Germany’s rules of engagement, out of step with the rest of the NATO mission, will also alledgedly be part of the discussion. >>The Internet – Apparently a distressed ship attempting to moor off the coast of Egypt cut the line that has left 75 million with diminished internet services, mainly in the Middle East and India. If you’re interested in the cable network that crisscrosses the ocean floor, this is a really cool map. >>Kenya – Ban Ki-moon is in Kenya to help revitalize the fledgling peace process initiated by Kofi Annan. Four, accused of looting and burning residences and businesses, were killed by police in Eldoret in western Kenya in the wake of the murder of opposition MP David Too. Although the opposition claims that it was a political assasination, evidence points more convincingly to a love triangle >>Whaling – Japanese ships have resumed whaling in antarctic waters as anti-whaling activists were forced to leave to refuel. >>Trash – The EU ordered Italy to take out the garbage in Naples. Nearly 250,000 tons of garbage has piled up on the streats. Collectors have stopped because there is no more room at the regional dumps. Yesterday in UN Dispatch Somalia’s Crisis Continues In the Shadow of Darfur – Matthew Cordell Secretary General to Visit Kenya – Mark Leon Goldberg The Rest of the Story Swiss AIDS Experts: Unprotected Sex OK for Some Navy Tests High-Powered Electromagnetic Railgun Bangladesh steps up vigilance as bird flu spreads No Serbian violence expected over Kosovo: EU Copy China and invest abroad, says Medvedev OPEC Pins Hopes on U.S. Soft Landing Judge Bans Carnival Float Depicting Naked Holocaust Victims EU states oppose Kosovo bid India MP held over rival’s death Mauritania gunmen hit embassy China freeze ‘has cost billions’ Rwanda opens stock exchange Noriega appeals ‘not exhausted’ New plan for HIV marriage tests Kosovo declaration ‘not imminent’ Blizzards and Coal Shortages Strain China’s Rail Network China Accuses Online Activist of Subversion Rights Group Says U.S. Is Too Eager to Endorse Suspect Elections China’s Inflation Hits American Price Tags Zimbabwe: Inflation at New Peak In Report, Officers Call for Major Overhaul of NATO Israel’s Mauritania Embassy Attacked
By: Matthew Cordell on January 25, 2008 Roger Federer’s grand slam winning streak finally came to an end. The wife of a Fairfax county school administrator left a message on the answering machine of a student who called her husband at home…and it is all the rage on YouTube. Top Stories >>The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany have agreed on a draft resolution enacting a new round of sanctions against Iran — including a new restriction on those exporting to Iran and a stricter ban on travel for Iranian nuclear scientists. It is unlikely that the resolution will be introduced in the Council until next month, at which time Iran has agreed to the IAEA to answer remaining questions on its nuclear program. >>Brazil announced yesterday that the rate of Amazon rainforest destruction increased roughly 400 percent from August to December 2007. President Lula da Silva has vowed a 25 percent increase in the region’s police force. >>U.S. Secretary of Defense Gates said that the U.S. was prepared to send troops to assist Pakistan in fighting militants. Meanwhile, police in Indian-controlled Kashmir have killed a top commander of the pro-Pakistani Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami militant group, who was the mastermind of three bombings in Uttar Pradesh last November. >>The EU member states’ foreign ministers are expected to agree to a 1,800-person stabilization force for Kosovo on Monday, under the expectation that it will soon declare independence from Serbia. Kosovo’s Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has said that it is only a matter of days. >>Italy’s Prime Minister Romano Prodi has resigned after losing a vote of confidence in the Senate. President Giorgio Napolitano is holding emergency meetings with political leaders in an effort to avoid snap elections. >>Amid continuing violence, warring Kenyan political leaders met for the first time face to face, along with Kofi Annan, who is facilitating the negotiations. Even the most optimistic analysts agree that this is at best the first step in a long process. The Rest of the Story Egypt moves to seal Gaza border The U.S.’s Weighty Role on the World Stage Russia Talks of a Stability Beyond Ties to the U.S. Frailty of U.S. Finances Has Japanese Agonizing Arms control role for Wolfowitz Britain: Plan to Hold Terror Suspects 42 Days Finland: Sexual Harassment in Parliament Turkey to Alter Speech Law Face recognition technique aids security – and lookalike searches Al Arabiya ‘Chickens-to-Terror’ Promo Ad Is a Head-Scratcher Senators Criticize U.N. Program in North Korea, but Question Set of Accusations Iraq forced to hold ‘rolling elections’ Report: Muslim Cleric Issues Fatwa Against Bollywood Star Sierra Leone farmers return to dig fields, not gems Pope urges ‘more ethical’ media Fidel Castro polished his memoirs near death The British have made matters worse, says Afghan President Japan expected to pledge emissions cut
